Afghanistan’s race to U19 World Cup Final ends with quarter-final loss to Pakistan

Afghanistan U19’s race to Final of the ICC U19 World Cup concluded today as they lost to Pakistan U19 by 6 wickets in the fourth quarter-final of the tournament in Benoni.

Having won the toss, Afghanistan U19 opted to bat first and were all out for 189 in the final over of their innings. The opening duo of Ibrahim Zadran and Farhan Zakhil put on a relatively decent partnership of 41 for the first wicket before Zadran was caught for 11 off Tahir Hussain’s bowling.

Afghanistan Skipper Farhan Zakhil top-scored with 40

Having been dropped twice, Zakhil went on to top-score for his team with 40 before he lost his wicket in the 16^th over triggering a collapse for Afghanistan as the runs dried and the wickets continued to fall at a quicker rate. Abdul Rahman, Rahmanullah and Abid Mohammadi contributed with 30, 29 and 28 runs respectively as well.

In response, Pakistan U19 chased down the target in the 42^nd over losing four wickets in the process. Debutant Mohammad Huraira top-scored with a well-played knock of 64 runs. Left-arm spinner Noor Ahmad was the only Afghan bowler who took wickets ending with 32/2 off his 10 overs.

Debutant Mohammad Huraira top-scored with 64 for Pakistan U19

Afghanistan topped Group-D in the league stage of the tournament beating South Africa U19 and UAE U19 while the match against Canada U19 was abandoned due to rain. Spinner Shafiqullah Ghafari took 11 wickets while batsmen Ibrahim Zadran, Imran Mir, Rahmanullah scored half-centuries in the group stage.

Afghanistan will face Australia for the 2^nd Semi Final of the Super League Play-offs on 2^nd February in Potchefstroom.